Days after rejecting support for the Circuit of Wales development, Welsh Government has called for “innovation and entrepreneurship”. Economy Secretary, Ken Skates launched BeTheSpark, a Wales-wide movement aimed at unlocking the potential for greater collaboration between entrepreneurs, corporate leaders, risk capital, academia and government to support the creation of more home grown … [Read more...]
MG India plant to open in two years
The Chinese owners of MG who closed the Longbridge finishing facility last year have confirmed they plan to import new cars to Europe in 2019. SAIC Motor, China's largest automaker by sales volume, will set up its first car manufacturing plant in India as Chinese carmakers push into overseas markets. The automaker will bring its MG brand to India and begin assembly operations in 2019, it … [Read more...]
Sunday drive: Mitsubishi Shogun LWB SG5
While there are all-new cars aplenty waiting for UK customers there are also some longer serving models that share their designs with older original models going back for many years. In recent months we have looked and explained the heritage of the new and larger VW Beetle, the hard-core All-American Jeep Wrangler SUV and now we look at the Mitsubishi Shogun … [Read more...]
Computer says…. “no go”
Technology could halve unexpected breakdowns by 2020 according to telematics expert In-car Cleverness, as data increasingly helps drivers identify malfunctions before they occur. Harnessing this data would slash repair bills by £1.3 billion annually, as the one in four vehicles which breakdown annually could be inspected before they fail. Curtailing motorists’ love-hate relationship with … [Read more...]
Weekend roadtest: Kia Picanto 2 1.0 litre
The one-time cheap Kia Picanto has moved on with the third generation now reaching showrooms and selling itself with sophistication in the spec-list, says Robin Roberts. That’s good news, but there is still better news because it’s not priced itself out of the all-important A-sector for city cars. The market has changed and so has Picanto because it’s now only available in … [Read more...]
Motoring safety has turned the corner for families
Family motoring safety has just turned the corner. In a significant move for tens of thousands of parents, Bridgestone has extended its acclaimed run-flat tyre range to most popular saloons and hatchbacks as well as small and medium-sized MPVs as replacement units. The latest Bridgestone DriveGuard range of tyres now covers 70% of models in 19 sizes and they have managed to undercut … [Read more...]
Can you ride to the challenge?
Walking and cycling charity Sustrans is running its third challenge this July, helping more people in Wales to opt for a healthier mode of transport and saving money as a result. Results from October’s Cymru Travel Challenge reveal that on average, car users can save up to £1,000 a year when they switch from a car commute to cycling or walking. The challenge is completely free of charge and … [Read more...]
Newslines 1 July
To celebrate the 60th birthday of the iconic Fiat 500 a new special series, the Fiat 500 Anniversario, will be available to order from today. Available in two exclusive new colours, Riviera Green and Sicilia Orange with the 1.2-litre 69hp petrol engine, as both a hatchback and a convertible, they cost from £14,265. Ford Bridgend Engine plant helped boost Britain’s power train manufacturing … [Read more...]
Can modern karts move society ?
Brits are still struggling to separate fact from fiction and debunk the most common electric car myths, research by TeamSport has revealed. With growth in the number of electric cars on the roads continuing, the leading karting company researched the nation’s attitudes towards electric cars and which myths the public still believes. They found the majority of drivers still don’t fully … [Read more...]
Newcomers from Aston, SEAT, Hyundai and BMW
Less than two years after being unveiled as a concept, Aston Martin has confirmed that the all-electric RapidE will enter production in 2019. Set for a limited production run of 155 cars, RapidE is Aston Martin’s first all-electric model and it will be sold on exclusivity in a market sector now being taken very seriously by rival sports car makers. The New SEAT Arona will make its public … [Read more...]